Hello,
Today is ‘real talk’ time.
As we edge toward 2026, here’s a question worth sitting with:
Does your proof genuinely reflect how good you really are?
Most teams assume it does.
Most of them are wrong.
That’s why this isn’t a checklist.
It’s a Reality Check.
A five minute scoring challenge designed to show you, plainly and honestly, whether your stories, testimonials and case studies are ready to support the growth you want next year.
Honestly assess the following questions with a number between 0 and 2 for each item:
• 0 = Not in place
• 1 = Partially in place
• 2 = Fully in place
No judgement.
Just score and see where the gaps are.
The Proof Reality Check
1. New proof created in 2025
Did you you create any fresh stories, testimonials or case studies this year? If so how many? Was that enough?
Score 0-2
2. Usability of your proof
How much of your proof can be shared publicly without edits, approvals or awkward rewording?
Score 0-2
3. Coverage across all products or services
Does your proof represent the full spread of what you sell, or just your flagship?
Score 0-2
4. Proof aligned to your funnel
Do you have the right mix of proof for:
• Awareness
• Consideration
• Decision
• Onboarding
Score 0-2
5. Objection handling stories
Do you have customer stories that directly address your biggest objections?
Price, time, switching risk, complexity, internal approval.
Score 0-2
6. Diversity of stories
Do your case studies and testimonials reflect a healthy mix of industries, problems, outcomes and customer types?
Score 0-2
7. Fresh proof from the last 90 days
Do you have something recent that signals momentum and credibility?
Score 0-2
8. Proof that reflects your true quality
The honest one.
Does your existing proof show the real standard of your work, or is there still a gap between how good you are and how good you look?
Score 0-2
Your Score
Add your points up.
Maximum: 16
Minimum: 0
A quick interpretation:
• 14-16
You’re operating with proof as a strategic asset. Keep going.
• 10-13
Solid foundations, clear opportunities for lift.
• 6-9
You’re better than your proof suggests. This is your leverage point.
• 0-5
You’re flying blind. 2026 will feel harder than it needs to.
Whatever your score, you now know where to focus.
A closing thought
Most businesses bury their head in the sand. They ignore the reality - the reality is this:
1. They need more proof.
2. They need better proof.
3. They need strategic proof.
Proof that builds belief.
Proof that smooths decisions.
Proof that removes friction before friction forms.
If you want help turning your score into a practical plan for 2026, just hit reply.
Kev - The Case Study Guy
P.S. I have decided to abandon ‘the p.s’. Consider this the farewell appearance of the P.S. - I shall miss you my old friend. Please raise a glass to her this weekend.